Midan Marketing has released its annual forecast, Top 10 Meat and Dairy Industry Trends to Watch in 2026. The outlook draws on continuous consumer tracking, marketplace evaluation, and year-round analysis to identify the forces most likely to shape growth in the year ahead.
The trends highlighted below represent a selection of the most influential forces shaping the year ahead. The full report explores all ten trends in greater depth:
- Sustainability Moves from Differentiator to Expectation
Sustainability is no longer something brands use to stand out. Transparency, clear claims, and visible progress across the supply chain are now expected, with factors such as methane reduction, carbon tracking, responsible sourcing, and supply chain transparency increasingly influencing how meat and dairy products are evaluated. - Food as Medicine: Protein Powers America’s Health Revival
As Americans focus on strength, longevity, and wellness, protein-rich foods are gaining recognition for their role in supporting physical and metabolic health. Meat continues to play a central role, with dairy also contributing protein and nutrition that support health-focused eating patterns. - Dairy Production Increases as Consumer Demand Grows for Hybrid Products
U.S. milk production is expected to rise modestly in 2026, contributing to more stable supply conditions. At the same time, consumer demand for plant-based and hybrid dairy products continues to influence innovation, driven by health, nutrition, taste, and functionality. Brands are responding by balancing traditional dairy production with new formats designed to meet evolving consumer preferences. - Beef Prices Surge as Supply Shrinks, Creating Opportunities Across the Meat Case
Beef supply constraints are expected to continue into 2026, keeping prices elevated and creating ripple effects across the meat case. Beef on dairy programs are helping address supply challenges by optimizing dairy calves for high-quality beef production. With beef prices where they are, other proteins including pork, poultry, and lamb have the opportunity to step in and deliver on taste and value. - Goodbye Google, the Consumer Journey Starts with AI
Search and shopping behaviors are shifting as more consumers turn to generative AI for meal ideas, product comparisons, and recommendations. For meat and dairy brands, clear product information, accurate nutrition data, and consistent digital presence are becoming increasingly important as AI reshapes how products are discovered and chosen.
